Instructed in new m
edication Aricept to m
anage m
oderate dem
entia of the Alzheim
er type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insom
nia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnorm
al dream
s, som
nolence, seizures, trem
or, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnorm
al crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain
, chest pain
, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vom
iting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain
, frequent urination, ecchym
osis, weight loss, dehydration, m
uscle cram
ps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can tem
porarily stabilize or relieve sym
ptom
s. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtim
e. Im
m
ediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform
health care team
that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep rem
edies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.